Object-Based Mapping and Modelling of Sundarban Mangrove Forests in India

Abstract

Deforestation because of man-made (anthropogenic) factors is quite high in the developing countries rather than the developed countries. Mangrove forests can be categorized as one of the important natural resources in India. Recently, the mangrove forests in India are declining very rapidly, and it is more prominent in the eastern parts of India, i.e. in the Sundarban area. In this paper, an attempt has been made to find out the spatio-temporal changes of Sundarban mangrove forests in India. Side by side, an attempt has also been made to find out the reasons behind this deforestation. Object-based modelling and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) techniques have been applied for mapping and modelling of mangrove forests in Indian Sundarban. This study revealed that mangrove forests in Sundarban areas have been declining very rapidly, and the rate of forest depletion is very high in recent decades than the previous decades. Various anthropogenic factors like agricultural practices, deforestation, animal husbandry activities, etc. have been increased day by day. This study will be throwing a new light in the mapping and modelling of mangrove forests in India. It will also be helpful for the policy planners and decision-makers to take decisions to save the mangrove forests. This is helpful for the sustainable planning and management of the study area.